by EuroNews
It’s published •update
Uzbekistan President Shabkat Mirtzyyoev’s landmark visit to Slovenia was his first trip of this kind in 20 years, characterized by a high level of discussion and a joint business forum.
Uzbekistan is Slovenia’s second largest foreign trade partner in Central Asia, with the two plans to increase trade sales to 500 million euros by further expanding the exchange of goods and services and investment opportunities.
During the visit, Mirziyoyev and his Slovenian Nataša Pirc Musar participated in a business forum featuring over 100 industrial and trade companies from both countries.
The iconic flower-appearing ceremony at the memorial of all war victims in Zvezda Park, Ljubljana, underscored “signs of respect for fallen memories and commitment to peace and humanistic ideals,” the Uzbekistan president’s office said in a statement.
At another meeting with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob, the two governments announced the signing of several bilateral agreements, including visa exemptions for diplomatic passport holders, and cooperation in transportation, logistics, education, science, culture and tourism.
“This conversation was an opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the two countries, both political and economic,” Golob said in a Facebook statement.
“Together, we build a bridge between our nation based on trust, knowledge and common goals,” he added.
Both countries are also discussing the establishment of direct aviation and ease of access to Uzbekistan’s EU market through Slovenia’s Copper port.
Meanwhile, the first meeting of the newly established intergovernmental committee is scheduled for July in Ljubljana.
Uzbekistan’s exports to Slovenia include clothing, specialized chemicals and precision tools, and Slovenia exports ceramic, stone products and furniture.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1993 following the declaration of independence by Slovenia and Uzbekistan from former Yugoslavia and the Soviet Union, respectively.
